superstition

[ soo-per-stish-uh n ]
/ ˌsu pərˈstɪʃ ən /

noun

a belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge, in or of the ominous significance of a particular thing, circumstance, occurrence, proceeding, or the like.
a system or collection of such beliefs.
a custom or act based on such a belief.
irrational fear of what is unknown or mysterious, especially in connection with religion.
any blindly accepted belief or notion.

Origin of superstition

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin superstitiōn- (stem of superstitiō), equivalent to superstit- (stem of superstes) standing beyond, outliving ( super- super- + -stit-, combining form of stat-, adj. derivative of stāre to stand) + -iōn- -ion

Example sentences from the Web for superstition

British Dictionary definitions for superstition

superstition
/ (ˌsuːpəˈstɪʃən) /

noun

irrational belief usually founded on ignorance or fear and characterized by obsessive reverence for omens, charms, etc
a notion, act or ritual that derives from such belief
any irrational belief, esp with regard to the unknown

Word Origin for superstition

C15: from Latin superstitiō dread of the supernatural, from superstāre to stand still by something (as in amazement)